Betty Sue Gillilan

Betty Sue Gillilan, 80, Gallatin, died Monday, May 24, at Truman Medical Center in Kansas City. Sue was born on July 2, 1940, to Perley and Minnie Huffman.

Sue grew up on the farm south of Gallatin.  Sue went to grade school at Lock Springs and high school at Gallatin. She received a B.S. degree in education and a master’s degree in computer science from Northwest Missouri State University at Maryville.  She taught English at Jamesport and then was the K-12 librarian at Gallatin.  After her retirement she spent 10 years at Winston as a part-time librarian. 

Sue was a voracious reader up until the day of her death.  She loved introducing young minds to the art of reading and spent many years taking fieldtrips to the Children’s Literature Festival at Warrensburg.  One trip held special memories for all because of her driving the mini school bus through a bridge construction site and neatly taking off the side mirror to the cheers of the kids.

Sue was a member of Laureate Delta Rho chapter of Beta Sigma Phi for several years. She loved being a part of a great group of women serving their community.  Sue has one daughter, Stacy (Brian) Sprouse of Gallatin whom she adopted at three weeks of age in December of 1967 in Washington, DC.  As a single mother most of her life, Sue was a determined DIYer that maintained a beautiful home and property.  She loved growing lilacs, peonies, roses and many other beautiful plants. Sue taught Stacy and other young relatives how to be good at being self-reliant and respectful of preserving what was already available rather than running out to buy the newest of stuff.  Sue was also an animal lover, especially small poodles and kittens.  She was rarely without a dog by her side while driving or being in the house. 

Sue was the oldest of twelve children. Ten sisters and brothers survive her: Bob, Jack, Stan, William Garl and Joe; Joyce Peery, Janet Richardson, Linda Primm, Ann Salyer and Tammy Huffman. She was preceded in death by one sister, Rose Mary Porter and two nephews Ryan Porter and Danny Huffman. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Green Hills Animal Shelter in Trenton, MO or the Daviess County Library in Gallatin in care of the funeral home. Friends may sign the register book after 11 AM Wednesday (05/26) at the funeral home. Private family graveside services at Lick Fork Cemetery, Gallatin, MO. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Gallatin. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.